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Darren Churchward
I am a seasoned statistician and researcher with expertise in health research and data analysis. I have led analytical teams at the Ministry of Justice, focusing on prison-related issues, and managed COVID-19 data in senior roles. My background includes research positions at Ofqual and the University of Leicester, where I honed my skills in study design, data analysis, and statistical reporting. I hold an MRes in Applied Health Research and have completed an MSc level modules in Medical Statistics, showcasing my strong analytical and research capabilities.
Education
MRes Applied Health Research
University of Leicester
Leicester, Leicestershire
2016 - 2014
- Dissertation: In-centre nocturnal haemodialysis: effects of three months of extended night time haemodialysis on physical performance and quality of life in prevalent haemodialysis patients.
BSc (Hons) Physiology
University of Hertfordshire
Hatfield, Hertfordshire
2012 - 2009
- Dissertation: Using heart rate variability and blood pressure to measure changes in tiredness whilst playing video games for extended periods of time.
Training and Other Qualifications
Power BI Introduction and Intermediate
N/A
Remote
2024
- 2-day course covering beginner and intermediate topics in the use of PowerBI
Theory-based evaluation
N/A
Remote
2024
- 1-day course covering the design and analysis of theory-based evaluations
Writing as an Analyst for Ministers, Senior Managers, and Policy Makers
LSR Training
Remote
2023
- 2-day course aiming to improve impactfulness of writing for non-analyst customers and stakeholders
Analysis of Qualitative Data (Framework approach and Typologies
NatCen
Remote
2023
- 3-day course on how to use the framework approach for qualitative analysis and develop typologies
Quasi-experimental approaches to research
N/A
Remote
2023
- 5-day course covering design consideration and analysis of quasi-experimental evaluation designs such as: Regression discontinuity design, Interrupted time series
Design & Analysis of Cluster Randomised and Stepped Wedge Trials
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Remote
2022
- 5-day course providing training on designing and analysing trials with a cluster randomisation or stepped-wedge design
MSc Medical Statistics
University of Leicester
Leicester, Leicestershire
2019 - 2018
- One year of a part-time degree completed, stopped due to change in employment
Fitness Instructor Training and Qualifications
Various Training Providers
N/A
2013 - 2007
- Various qualifications including Level 3 Certificates in Advanced Fitness Instructing and Exercise Referral, and Certificates in Group Exercise Training
Level 2 Certificate in Security Guarding
G4S/ NOCN
N/A
2012
- Qualification required to gain security license
Sports Coaching Training
Various Training Providers
N/A
2009 - 2008
- Various qualifications in coaching different sports including Level 2 certificates in Community Sports Leadership and Dodgeball coaching, as well as a certificate in coaching and refereeing Tag Rugby
Employment History
Having worked in a variety of roles and industries, my most recent roles have been focussed around data analysis and research - using skills and leadership to influence and impact policy development.
Principal Statistician/Research Officer (Analytical Team Leader)
Ministry of Justice
Leeds, Yorkshire
Current - 2021
- Lead a team of analysts working on projects and evaluations of interventions focussed on prison violence, self-harm, and illicit drug use in prisons.
Senior Statistical Officer
Ministry of Justice
Leeds, Yorkshire
2021 - 2020
- Senior analytical role primarily leading on the collection of COVID related data from prisons and probation, using this data to produce summaries and reports which are utilised across government to manage outbreaks in prisons and implement additional health measures.
Research Assistant
Office for Qualification and Exam Regulation (Ofqual)
Coventry, Warwickshire
2020 - 2019
- Assist with a variety of research projects and investigations to ensure organisations aims are met. Work on production of official statistics publications. Contribute to design of studies, data collection, analysis and report generation. Provided many opportunities to develop data science and analytics skills. Involves collaboration with a range of stakeholders.
Research Facilitator
University of Leicester/ University Hospitals of Leicester
Leicester, Leicestershire
2019 - 2013
- Oversee and assist with clinical trials on exercise and alternative treatment regimens for chronic kidney disease patients. Ensure site files are audit-ready. Aid principal investigators with recruitment, governance, and report submissions. Recruit participants, arrange visits, deliver interventions, and collect data. Analyze data, write results for publications, and present findings at conferences. Support grant writing and study design for quantitative and qualitative research. Supervise undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students, focusing on data analysis. Serve on departmental committees for health and safety and operational management.
Alcohol and Drugs Collection Officer/ Security Officer
G4S
Retford, Nottinghamshire
2013 - 2012
- Based at Cottam and West Burton power stations. Responsibilities included alcohol and drug screening of employees and contractors, reception duties, control of access and egress, ensuring safety and security of all visitors to the power station from a variety of different threats.
Fitness Instructor
Bawtry Health and Fitness Centre
Bawtry, Yorkshire
2013 - 2007
- Part-time fitness instructor required to work unsupervised and in sole charge of the facility. Duties included client inductions, designing personal exercise programmes, handling cash and card transactions, arranging appointments for other instructors and sports/physiotherapists.
Publications
Intradialytic cycling does not exacerbate microparticles or circulating markers of systemic inflammation in haemodialysis patients
European Journal of Applied Physiology
N/A
2022
- Authors: Highton, P.J., March, D.S., Churchward, D.R., Grantham, C.E., Young, H.M., Graham-Brown, M.P., Estruel, S., Martin, N., Brunskill, N.J., Smith, A.C. and Burton, J.O., & Bishop, N.C.
Circulating endotoxin and inflammation: Associations with fitness, physical activity and the effect of a 6-month programme of cycling exercise during haemodialysis
Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation
N/A
2022
- Authors: March, D.S., Lai, K.B., Neal, T., Graham-Brown, M.P., Highton, P.J., Churchward, D.R., Young, H.M., Dungey, M., Stensel, D.J., Smith, A.C., Bishop, N.C., & Burton, J. O.
A cost-effective analysis of the CYCLE-HD randomized controlled trial
Kidney International Reports
N/A
2021
- Authors: March, D.S., Hurt, A.W., Grantham, C.E., Churchward, D.R., Young, H.M., Highton, P.J., Dungey, M., Bishop, N.C., Smith, A.C., Graham-Brown, M.P., Cooper, N.J., & Burton, J. O.
A randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of intra-dialytic cycling on left ventricular mass
Kidney International
N/A
2021
- Authors: Graham-Brown, M.P., March, D.S., Young, R., Highton, P.J., Young, H.M., Churchward, D.R., Dungey, M., Stensel, D.J., Bishop, N.C., Brunskill, N.J., Smith, A.C., McCann, G.P., McConnachie, A., & Burton, J. O.
Evaluating the clinical experience of a regional in‐center nocturnal hemodialysis program: The patient and staff perspective
Hemodialysis International
N/A
2021
- Authors: Hull, K.L., Quann, N., Glover, S., Wimbury, C., Churchward, D.R., Pickering, W.P., Preston, R., Baines, R., Graham‐Brown, M.P. and Burton, J.O.
Centre Judgements: Teaching Staff Interviews, Summer 2020
OFQUAL
N/A
2020
- Authors: Holmes, S, Churchward, D. R., Howard, E., Keys, E., Leahy, F., Tonin, D., & Black, B.
The effect of extended‐hours hemodialysis on outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Hemodialysis International
N/A
2020
- Authors: Hull, K. L., March, D. S., Churchward, D. R., Graham‐Brown, M. P., & Burton, J. O.
Recent trends in modern foreign language exam entries in anglophone countries
OFQUAL
N/A
2019
- Authors: Churchward, D.,
Quantitative Study of the Beliefs and Attitudes Toward Organ Donation and the Opt-Out System Among the Sikh Community in the United Kingdom
Transplantation Proceedings
N/A
2018
- Authors: Johal, J., Bains, H., Churchward, D., Brand, S., & Malik, S.
Effects of intradialytic cycling exercise on exercise capacity, quality of life, physical function and cardiovascular measures in adult haemodialysis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation
N/A
2018
- Authors: Young, H. M., March, D. S., Graham-Brown, M. P., Jones, A. W., Curtis, F., Grantham, C. S., Churchward, D.R., Highton, P., Smith, A.C., Bridle, C. & Burton, J.O.
Cardiac Remodelling in Patients Undergoing in-Centre Nocturnal Haemodialysis: Results from the MIDNIGHT Study, a Non-Randomized Controlled Trial
Blood Purification
N/A
2017
- Authors: Graham-Brown, M.P., Churchward, D.R., Hull, K.L., Preston, R., Pickering, W.P., Eborall, H.C., McCann, G.P. & Burton, J.O.
Regular exercise during haemodialysis promotes an anti-inflammatory leucocyte profile
Clinical Kidney Journal
N/A
2017
- Authors: Dungey, M., Young, H.M., Churchward, D.R., Burton, J.O., Smith, A.C., & Bishop, N.C.
Native T1 mapping: inter-study, inter-observer and inter-center reproducibility in hemodialysis patients
Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
N/A
2017
- Authors: Graham-Brown, M.P., Rutherford, E., Levelt, E., March, D. S., Churchward, D.R., Stensel, D.J., McComb, C., Mangion, K., Cockburn, S., Berry, C., Moon, J.C., Mark, P. B., Burton, J. O., & McCann, G.P.
Novel cardiac nuclear magnetic resonance method for non-invasive assessment of myocardial fibrosis in hemodialysis patients
Kidney International
N/A
2016
- Authors: Graham-Brown, M.P., March, D.S., Churchward, D.R., Stensel, D.J., Singh, A., Arnold, R., Burton, J.O., & McCann, G.P.
Investigating the effects of 6 months extended duration, in-centre nocturnal versus conventional haemodialysis treatment: a non-randomised, controlled feasibility study
BMJ Open
N/A
2016
- Authors: Churchward, D.R., Graham-Brown, M.P., Preston, R., Pickering, W., McCann, G.P., & Burton, J.O.
A 4-month programme of in-centre nocturnal haemodialysis was associated with improvements in patient outcomes
Clinical Kidney Journal
N/A
2015
- Authors: Graham-Brown, M.P., Churchward, D.R., Smith, A.C., Baines, R.J., & Burton, J.O.
Selected Posters, and Talks
A light dialysis session makes a heavy heart: extended haemodialysis offers cardio-protection
American Society of Nephrology Conference
New Orleans, Louisiana, US
2017
- Oral Presentation Authors: Churchward, D.R., Hull, K.L., March, D.S., Graham-Brown, M.P.M., & Burton, J.O.
Six months of longer haemodialysis leads to better quality of life compared to conventional sessions: Results from a non-randomised trial
British Renal Society Conference
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK
2017
- Poster Presentation Authors: Churchward, D.R., Hull, K.L., March, D.S., Graham-Brown, M.P.M., and Burton, J.O. A
Native T1 mapping is a highly reproducible measure of myocardial fibrosis in hemodialysis patients independent of hydration status.
American Society of Nephrology Conference
Chicago, Illinois, US
2016
- Poster Presentation Authors: Graham-Brown, M.P.M., Churchward, D.R., March, D.S., Stensel, D.J., McCann, G.P., & Burton, J.O.
The Influence of Acute Aerobic Exercise on Immune Cell Subsets in Renal Transplant Recipients.
American Society of Nephrology Conference
Chicago, Illinois, US
2016
- Poster Presentation Authors: Highton, P.J., Neale, J., Churchward, D.R., Grantham, C.E., Bishop, N.C., & Smith, A.C.
Intradialytic Exercise does not Alter the Frequency or Severity of Ventricular Arrhythmias.
American Society of Nephrology Conference
Chicago, Illinois, US
2016
- Poster Presentation Authors: Grantham, C.E., Churchward, D.R., Young, H.M.L., March, D.S., Highton, P.J., Graham-Brown, M.P.M., Smith, A.C., Marsh, A., & Burton, J.O.
A 12 Month Intradialytic Cycling Service Evaluation: Impact on Anxiety and Depression, and Reasons for Withdrawal.
British Renal Society Conference
Leeds, Yorkshire, UK
2015
- Poster Presentation Authors: Churchward, D.R., Young, H.M.L., Dungey, M., Burton, J.O., & Smith A.C.